first time on chat

[Runes]

I’ve had depression for years and it comes and goes but this time it’s been with me since January. I’ve had some good days but not many. I hate waking up and feeling so down. I’ve tried so many different meds and have done tms which helped at first and then didn’t. Just reaching out for inspiration or hope

[thesoberchef]

I don't think the weather is helping much at the moment, grey everywhere!

[Runes in reply to thesoberchef]

it’s sunny here and that helps a bit

[Diamond99]

hi it’s nice to meet you my name is Desiree it’s nice to meet you I also have been having a tough time with my depression too what helps me is getting out being with family and friends it helps me feel so much better when other people are around also I listen to a calming ocean on a app that helps I am here for you if you are looking for a friend or just someone to talk to let me know ok

[Runes in reply to Diamond99]

hi Desiree. Thank you so much for your reply. I would like to talk with you again. I was having a bad morning today and fortunately a friend took me for a walk and an inspirational talk and then I visited my niece and her daughter who is 2. That really helped me today. Happy I found this support group

[Runes in reply to Diamond99]

hi Desiree. How are you doing?

[Runes in reply to Runes]

I think I got a private message from you but I can’t see it

[Darkhouse]

Hello, sorry to hear that you're feeling low. I too battle depression, and that's how it feels at times, like a battle. It's a thief, depression, it wants to steal our joy, our experiences, our relationships, and it won't be happy until we're alone, in bed, sad. When it rears it's ugly head for me, I know it's time to go back on meds/ tweak my meds, and start forcing myself to do the things that depression wants to take away. There's a lot of research out now that says that moderate exercise is actually more effective than antidepressants for treating depression, so I get myself out walking again. And I reach out to those that support me, even though depression is telling me to do the opposite, depression is a liar, it wants us unhappy. Meditation can help too. If you practice it, it can actually rewire your brain to think more peacefully, but it's not an instant thing for sure. The weather will get better here soon. It's definitely not helping things, as everything has been so grey and dark for so long. But spring is upon us, trust and believe! There is always hope, always light. Hang in there...

[Runes in reply to Darkhouse]

thank you so much for your reply. I really appreciate everything you said. You have motivated me to get back to meditation. I do find walking helps and connecting with family and a good friend. It sure is a struggle though

[Darkhouse in reply to Runes]

It is a struggle, but it's up's and down's... There are up's in there too. There is beauty in the world and kindness and support. It's a battle, I know...that's great about your meditation. It can really help! Sending you hugs 🤗

[Runes in reply to Darkhouse]

lately I haven’t had too many of those up periods. I’m worried because it seems like it’s going on so long this time I don’t see a therapist but I wonder if I should I don’t know if there’s any point, but one thing I notice is the mornings are the worst time. When I wake up, I feel so depressed as the day goes on and gradually start to function, and I’m able to carry on with my day, but in the morning, I’d like to just cry and cry. By the way, my name is Sharon.

[Darkhouse in reply to Runes]

It's a tough call on seeing a therapist. It's a lot like dating, sometimes you really click but sometimes there's no chemistry, then the therapy goes nowhere. But I think it may be worth a shot. Again, the research coming out is saying that moderate exercise is more effective than antidepressants or therapy, crazy, I know, and the last thing you probably feel like doing, but even a brisk walk counts as moderate exercise. Winter is a very tough time for me too, I always sink into a depression around January, lack of sun and warmth and all, but spring is upon us and that should help at least a little. I'm sorry to hear that your mornings are so rough for you, but congrats on being able to go out and give it your all each day, that's amazing resilience! My name is Marla, and I like to do yoga and Tai Chi for my mind and my body. They both help w my depression and I have chronic pain to boot, so it helps w that too. It's nice to meet you Sharon, and I truly hope that your mornings are less stressful. That's no way to start the day... Sending you hugs 🤗

[Runes in reply to Darkhouse]

hi Marla. Thanks for your letter. I agree that finding the right therapist can be tricky. I had a great one years ago but she retired. And they are not all covered by insurance. I also agree that exercise helps. I walk my dog daily and volunteer with ElderDog to walk some other dogs although they do some sniffing so it’s not always a brisk walk. I go to the gym 2-3 times a week which I’m able to do with the support of my gym buddy

I used to practice tai chi but they shut down during the pandemic and I haven’t restarted. That’s so great that you do yoga and tai chi. I really appreciate your support and caring kindness. Thank you so much

I’ll be talking to my psychiatrist Thursday about making some changes in my meds. I’m also experimenting with the keto diet as I’ve read that it can help reduce depression. Only started it yesterday

Take care

Sharon

[Runes in reply to Darkhouse]

hi Marla. Last night I wrote to you in a much better frame of mind. Now it is morning and I feel so terrible again. I’ll go for a walk later and hope that helps. How are you? Are you in a good phase with your depression?

[LilyAnnepuppy]

Have you checked into a second TMS series? I had it done two years ago and was told I had the opportunity for a refresher if needed.

[Runes in reply to LilyAnnepuppy]

my first series of TMS were so good and I felt like the depression lifted totally. But then I’m not sure what happened. I got Covid and I got really sick. Mentally and so depressed. So we started a second series of TMS but not a full series and I just finished it today and it hasn’t really helped at all this time and it’s so expensive I can’t continue with that anymore. Did you find the TMS really helped you and has lasted?

[LilyAnnepuppy in reply to Runes]

It worked for me. But about a month later, my daughter died. I believe the TMS helped me get through the pain. I might be ready for another round. Sorry this time didn’t work.

[Runes]

I’m so sorry for the loss of your daughter. Good that the tms helped you.

[LilyAnnepuppy in reply to Runes]

Thank you for your kindness.